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Is tax evasion a sin?

[Shri Ganesh V asked: Paadanamaskaaram Swamiji, Is it a sin to provide fake documents for exceptions to the central government to avoid high taxes? At Your divine feet, Ganesh V]

Swami replied:- The final goal in avoiding tax to the government decides whether the action is a sin or not. If the final goal is selfishness, it is certainly a sin. If the final goal is spiritual, it is certainly not a sin. Telling a lie is sin if the goal of the lie is selfishness. Telling a lie to save the life of a good person is merit. Lower merits (like telling lie) can be sacrificed to protect the higher merits (like saving a good person from violence). Sage Satyavrata went to hell for telling truth because since he told the truth, a good saint was killed by robbers.

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